David O'Keefe

Bio

Dr. David O’Keefe received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCSD, where he used the powerful genetic tools available in Drosophila (the fruit fly) to study mechanisms of brain development. Following postdoctoral studies at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, he began his career as a science writer, and spent 10 years at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA, as the Director of Research Development (i.e., a grant writer). He currently works as the Vice President of Research Development at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP) in La Jolla, CA. SBP scientists include world leaders in the molecular genetics of behavior, physiology, and disease, and Dr. O’Keefe helps to convey their scientific discoveries and aspirations in a compelling fashion. He has recently published in the fields of regenerative medicine and gene therapy, and frequently teaches workshops on scientific communication and grant writing.